Where to Honor your Veteran Everyday in Champaign-Urbana
Memorials, museum, and more: Locations in Champaign-Urbana and beyond that honor Veterans.
Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and many kids are off of school, government organizations are closed and there won’t be any mail (see our list of What’s Open and What’s Closed on Veterans Day in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond here).
There are many activities on that day to honor local veterans (check our calendar), but it doesn’t have to be Veterans Day to show your children the impact of the military and veterans in our community.
Here’s a list of places in the greater Champaign-Urbana area that provide opportunities for us to reflect on the sacrifices many have made so that we can maintain our freedom and liberty.
Champaign County History Museum: The exhibit “When We Went to War” tells short stories of Champaign County residents who were involved in World War II, including those who were in the European theatre and those who were engaged with the war effort from the home front.
Memorial Stadium, Champaign: Memorial Stadium was originally constructed as a memorial to Illinois alumni who died in World War I. In 2002, the University “extended” the stadium’s original dedication to honor all members of the Illinois family who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and, in particular, the 932 alumni, students, faculty and staff who were killed in U.S. wars and conflicts since 1918. Their names are engraved on four limestone tablets at the entrances to Memorial Stadium’s east and west colonnades.
The Armory Building, University of Illinois: It’s not just for track and field. One of the oldest buildings on campus still in use, the Armoy was built for military cadet training, a purpose it still fulfills to this day.
Museum of the Grand Prairie: Located in Mahomet, the Museum of the Grand Prairie has a particular focus on President Lincoln and his doings in Champaign County. There is also a lot of content about local people who served in the military.
Douglas County Museum, Tuscola: This small museum that is mostly run by volunteers boasts of a military collection under its roof, including uniforms, weapons, war memorabilia, field radio equipment. It spans all of the major 20th century wars with a special emphasis on World War II.
Memorials:
Savoy Veterans Memorial: This small memorial can be viewed off of Route 45, in front of the village hall.
Champaign County Memorial: In front of the Champaign County Courthouse, Urbana.
West Side Park, Tolono: A distinguished memorial that was rededicated in 2011.
Bement Veterans Memorial Park: This is a fairly impressive memorial, especially for a town of 1800 or so. Head to the center of this Piatt County town.
Homer American Legion Auxiliary Veterans Memorial: This moving tribute to Veterans is located in front of the Homer Village Hall.
Thank you to all who have served, from Chambanamoms.com.
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